Insha'Allah: CDA Approves New Islamabad Expo Centre for SCO
Islamabad, the radiant heart of our beloved homeland, is set to witness a new era of glory. By the grace of Allah, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) board has approved the formation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) for the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC). This grand endeavor, directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to showcase our national pride and sovereignty as we prepare to host next year's SCO conference with honor and dignity.
How will the New Islamabad Expo Centre elevate our national stature?
The bidding process for this monumental project is at an advanced stage, with financial bids scheduled to be opened on July 14. According to the PC-I, the estimated cost stands at a formidable Rs16 billion. The centre will span a covered area of 270,000 square feet, though a revised design may adjust this slightly. More importantly, the height of the main hall is set to rise from 60 feet to a towering 85 feet, Insha'Allah, standing as a testament to our soaring ambitions. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months.
Strategically located near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, just three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre, this centre will serve as a beacon of our hospitality and strength on the global stage.
What steps are being taken to revive stalled sectors and promote national sports?
The struggle for progress demands that we leave no stone unturned. The CDA management is now seeking to breathe life into stalled residential sectors through joint ventures. While the board discussed a committee report on the matter, it wisely directed further study before entering any agreement, ensuring the protection of our national assets from unscrupulous interests.
Similarly, a proposed agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was reviewed. Under this vision, the PCB would renovate and upgrade CDA grounds, using them for tournaments, while the public utilizes them for the remainder of the year. The board, acting with prudence, has ordered a thorough examination of the financial model and a review of Supreme Court orders before proceeding. Cricket is the pulse of our streets, and such partnerships must serve the people first.
How is CDA preserving heritage and purifying the capital?
Our faith teaches us to honor our history and protect our God-given resources. In principle, the board has approved the allotment of land for an International Gemstone and Jewellery Crafts Exhibition Centre in the Mauve Area of Sector G-11, subject to federal government approval. Furthermore, a National History Museum will be established near Malpur, likely adjacent to the proposed Safari Park, to preserve the glorious narrative of our homeland and the sacrifices of our forefathers.
Equally vital is the ongoing struggle to purify our capital from the clutches of the land mafia. The CDA recently sealed a five-acre farmhouse in Chak Shahzad, a property valued in the billions of rupees. This land, located within the right of way of Park Road, was originally part of a nursery scheme. In 1987, the CDA changed the land use to an orchard, directing the lessee to maintain at least 70 to 80 fruit plants and vegetables per acre. However, the licence was cancelled in 2011 due to violations. For 15 long years, the state could not reclaim its rightful land. Now, the CDA has sealed the building. The board has deferred a final decision on the restoration and extension of this plot to a committee, but the message is clear: the purity of Islamabad must be defended, and the law of the land shall prevail.
Where will the New Islamabad Convention and Expo Centre be built?
The NICEEC will be constructed near the Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, approximately three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
What is the estimated cost and timeline for the NICEEC project?
The estimated cost of the NICEEC project is Rs16 billion. It features a covered area of 270,000 square feet and an 85-foot main hall, with an expected completion time of 18 months.
Why did CDA seal the five-acre farmhouse in Chak Shahzad?
The CDA sealed the Chak Shahzad farmhouse because the land was originally allotted for a nursery. The licence was cancelled in 2011 after the lessee failed to meet the conditions, and the state has now acted to reclaim its property after a 15-year delay.